Neuroscience is a scientific discipline that studies the human brain and thought (cognition). Embodied cognition explores the unconscious effects of touch (and other senses) on the mind and emotions.

The science of embodied cognition thrills me, and I am eager to explore products based on this trend to enhance life in the home and office...

Elegant glasses to enhance taste.

Red ties to signal stature.

Soft sofas to encourage trust.

Round tables to foster friendships.

Blue pens to generate ideas.

Embodied tools to stimulate life...

Some examples:

Drinking Glasses and Shape

The shape of a goblet or wine glass has been demonstrated through scientific research to affect taste. An elegant shape increases the flavor. The embodied taste effect can be enhanced in elegant shapes designed for drinking pleasure, in a range of models selected for their informed, elegant decor.

Picture Frames for Art

Large frames depict a dramatic scene in a strong manner; smaller frames depict more light-hearted scenarios. For the artist, whose goal is to represent his or her art, researchers have found that the tactile sensations of weight, texture, and hardness create an influence on aesthetic judgment. The subject matter of framed art should seek compatible frames to enhance the total impact.

Red and Blue Ties

Studies in color and fashion reveal the obvious when it comes to our intuition: red ties are associated with boldness and stature; blue ties are associated with trust and loyalty. Red and blue ties could be catalogued to inform the consumer of their color-based characteristics.

Research has shown that circular tables stimulate better social affiliation than square or rectangular ones. Circular tables can be recommended for social settings, while rectangular tables can be best utilized for serious meetings.

EMBODICOG !

The illustrations depicted are a small sample of items than can be remodeled in purpose to fit unconscious embodied desires.

The goal is to explore and discuss products based on intense research into embodied cognition and neuroscience.

Future plans include consultations and referrals on a range of objects found in plain sight, to assist people in fulfilling their dreams.

The ultimate aim is to expose the hidden nature of basic objects that can influence our thoughts and actions.

These artifacts can be harnessed to enhance the connections between the brain's prefrontal and motor cortex. (Thought and Sense.)

Soft and rigid chairs could be tailored to fit specific embodied characteristics based upon a consumer's needs. (Soft chairs could be suggested for flexible negotiations; rigid chairs for determined negotiations.)

Our mission begins with a purpose, which is stated in the left-hand column. In this and other sections, critical reports on embodied cognition as a potential design element shall steer the reader to the marketplace: offering articles, references, and related research in a practical Web guide for the neuroscience addict and product consumer.

For example...

Articles and products centered around glass shapes for wine and non-alcoholic drinks (affecting "taste" through embodied cognition) can be found in the listing below. Consumer feedback from YOU would be exciting to report about, in response to this embodied sales trend...

The effects of embodied cognition can be felt in most areas of life. The conscious mind often reacts to sensations from unseen dimensions.

Our mission continues with the exploration of weight in matters of judgment and decision-making. The brain's motor cortex (sensation) exerts a significant impact on higher thought processes, affecting our mental abilities and mood. The human experience of weight is "muscular" in action, and studies find that people can "...solve more analogy problems when flexing their arms as opposed to extending them." ("Metaphor and Embodied Cognition," below.)

The interactions of judgments and weight...

The metaphor of weight is used to describe issues of importance, but it's more than a metaphor: it's a matter of cognition. The reverse is also true: lightweight arguments, for example, hold slight influence. Light-hearted emotions and flexible thinking can be linked together in cause-and-effect. The metaphors of language often disclose subtle "initiations" taking place in the "prefrontal" mind through its contact with the "sensual" instincts.

Studies in neuroscience also teach about art presentation. The framed portal of a masterpiece has an aesthetic, emotional effect on the mind's eye. The skilled use of a frame's design is a central craft in the artist's repertoire.

In addition to picture frames, the scenic vista of a landscape can affect the human emotions. For example, to induce a broad mental state, stare into the endless blue skies. To induce a limited mental state, focus on a speck-sized pimple.

The appearance of a photograph or painting entails more than the content; it entails the surface and the surroundings...and more.

The range of sensual, "embodied" effects found in the designs of tables, chairs, frames, and fashion form but a tip of the marketplace. The future of commerce in embodied cognition entails more than "smart" design; it encompasses the human brain in competition for resources to guide and sharpen it, fusing together self-knowledge and transcendence in a fundamental union.

Embodied Cognition forms the foundation of this intimate future, but the possibilities of its abuse can also become rampant. The difficult challenge for merchants is to resist the temptations of greed and manipulation to optimize all human potential.

Mother's Darling, by Joseph Clark. Needed is an electric heating blanket. Place across your knees to create a comfort zone of artificial warmth. According to studies, physical heat affects social mood, facilitating "warmer" emotions such as trust, acceptance and friendliness. It's a fine fit for this wistful Clark masterpiece. (A cup of hot soup really does nourish the mind.)

Clear Creek, from Appleton's Journal. Needed is a loaded backpack, strapped on your back. The burden will cause the terrain to appear steeper. The distance up the hill will also seem longer. The added physical weight deepens the appearance of height in the scene.

Your work here...

Be the first to create an original masterpiece of embodied cognition. When you do, please credit EmbodiCog as your Muse.